Construction Surface Water Management Plans Protecting Watercourses During the Build
Condition requiring a Construction Surface Water Management Plan? We prepare phased plans that control runoff, silt and pollution during construction — essential where works are near a watercourse, SSSI or sensitive receptor.
Construction Surface Water Management Plans (CSWMP)
During construction, stripped ground and stockpiles generate silt-laden runoff that can pollute nearby watercourses and breach environmental law. Where a site is near a watercourse, a designated site such as an SSSI, or any sensitive receptor, the LPA, Environment Agency or Natural England will often require a Construction Surface Water Management Plan — secured by condition — before works begin.
We prepare a phased plan setting out how surface water, silt and potential pollutants are managed across each stage of the build: interception and settlement of runoff, silt control measures, pollution prevention, controlled dewatering and discharge, and monitoring. The plan follows recognised CIRIA guidance and the Environment Agency’s pollution prevention principles, and is written to discharge the condition and keep you compliant on site.
What’s Included
- ✓ Phased surface water management — how runoff is controlled at each construction stage, from strip to completion
- ✓ Silt & sediment control — settlement, interceptor and filtration measures to stop silt reaching watercourses
- ✓ Pollution prevention — fuel, concrete and material storage controls following EA pollution prevention guidance
- ✓ Dewatering & discharge — controlled discharge arrangements and where a permit or consent is required
- ✓ Sensitive receptor protection — specific measures where an SSSI, main river or protected habitat is nearby
- ✓ Monitoring & responsibilities — inspection regime, trigger actions and spill response, with roles assigned
When Is a CSWMP Required?
Works near water or a protected site? Send us the location and we’ll advise.
Conditioned Before Commencement
A condition requiring a construction surface water or environmental management plan to be approved before works begin — the usual trigger.
Sites Near a Watercourse
Where runoff could reach a river, stream or drain, silt and pollution control during the build is essential and expected.
SSSI & Protected Habitats
Sites near designated nature conservation sites attract Natural England interest and require robust construction-phase controls.
Large Earthworks
Extensive cut, fill and stockpiling generates significant silt-laden runoff that must be intercepted and settled.
EA / NE Objection Risk
Where the Environment Agency or Natural England has flagged construction-phase water quality, a sound CSWMP resolves it.
Part of a CEMP
The surface water element of a wider Construction Environmental Management Plan, which we can prepare or contribute to.
Frequently Asked Questions
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